Are you a young referee looking to take your officiating skills to the next level?
Register here.
The Junior Referee Development Programme is open for registration, a five-week training initiative designed to equip junior referees with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to officiate U13 and U15 club competitions.
In conjunction with the Signature League, this five week programme is free of charge and with give referees the basics required, plus in-game experience supported by referee trainers and coaches in a development focused environment.
Week 1 will give referees a change to meet peers and the community whilst learning in classroom and on court, they will then be moved to 2 groups appropriate to their age and stage.
Programme Overview
- Target Audience: Young referees transitioning from primary school competitions to U13 and U15 club competitions.
- Duration: 5 Weeks (1 session per week, 2 hours per session)
- Format:
- 30 min classroom session
- 30 min in-game with trainer support
- 30 min review
- 30 min in-game with trainer support
Programme Goals
- Develop confidence and decision-making skills.
- Learn officiating mechanics, positioning, and communication strategies.
- Gain practical experience under trainer guidance.
Programme Breakdown
Week 1: Introduction to Officiating at the Next Level
- Date & Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM @ Cowles Stadium (U16 Girls Signature League)
- Objective: Understand expectations and key differences between primary school and club-level competitions.
- Topics Covered:
- Role of a referee at U13/U15 level
- Basic officiating mechanics (Lead & Trail positions)
- Whistle technique & confidence drills
- Q&A session
- Practical Component:
- Live scrimmage for U16 girls
- Focus on floor positioning & whistle confidence
Week 2: Game Management & Communication
- Date & Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM @ Cowles Stadium (U16 Girls Signature League)
- Objective: Build confidence in managing players, coaches, and game situations.
- Topics Covered:
- Communication with coaches & players
- Handling conflict & game control
- Common player behaviors at U13/U15 level
- Calling fouls vs. letting play flow
- Practical Component:
- Live scrimmage focusing on communication and voice projection
Week 3: Rules & Decision Making
- Date & Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM @ Cowles Stadium (U16 Girls Signature League)
- Objective: Develop rule knowledge and consistency in officiating.
- Topics Covered:
- Key rule differences (Primary vs. Club)
- Traveling, double dribble & carrying violations
- Contact & advantage/disadvantage principles
- Positioning for better calls
- Practical Component:
- Live scrimmage focused on rule enforcement
Week 4: Refereeing Fast-Paced Games
- Date & Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM @ Cowles Stadium (U16 Girls Signature League)
- Objective: Improve positioning, anticipation, and fitness.
- Topics Covered:
- Transition officiating & court coverage
- Understanding fast breaks & defensive positioning
- Managing physical play in club games
- Practical Component:
- Live scrimmage focused on fast-break scenarios and physical play
Week 5: Practical Refereeing & Feedback
- Date & Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM @ Cowles Stadium (U16 Girls Signature League)
- Objective: Apply all learned concepts in a real game setting.
- Activities:
- On-court refereeing of a live game
- Feedback from senior referees
- Self-assessment & peer review
- Next steps in referee pathway
Additional Support
- Mentorship: Pairing junior referees with experienced referees for ongoing support.
- Referee Evaluations: Performance assessments during real games.
- Pathway Guidance: Opportunities for further development (e.g., CBA competitions, referee courses).
How to Register?
To join this fantastic development opportunity, register now via the link below: Register Here
For more details, contact Canterbury Basketball Association at Ben@canterbury.basketball .
Take the next step in your refereeing journey and develop the skills needed to officiate at the U13 and U15 levels with confidence!
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